Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Steamboat Sailors volleyball team was back in action on Thursday, as the team put a whippin' on the Huskies of Battle Mountain, and walked away with its 12th win of the season.

Led by some aggressive play from outside hitter Jessica Fritz, the Sailors heated up after a sluggish start and finished with a 15-2, 15-4 victory.

The match was the team's first since its Sept. 23 victory over Delta at home. The players had a two-week break on its schedule but now looks forward to a seven-game stretch to end its regular season.

Fritz was all over the court during the first game, as she dove on the floor to make a number of key saves for her squad. By the time the night was through, Fritz mustered seven kills and a 10-10 serving effort. Abby Fritz also played strong, as she matched her sister's mark with a 10-10 serving performance. The Sailors were never in real trouble and trailed just once during the two-game match when they were down 1-0 in the first.

Steamboat is now 12-1 and 6-1 on the year. The team plays Palisade at home at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Jessica Fritz, who also was 10-10 in passing, said she felt her team put forth a nice effort despite a rough start.

"I think we were a little lackadaisical, I guess," she said. "We kind of came out pumped up and then it kind of faded away. But, we came out with a win, and that's what counts."

The Fritz sisters may have put on a tremendous exhibition against the Huskies, but a few other Sailors ended up with big days, too.

Jessica Johnson slammed down four kills and finished with a 6-6 serving effort. Maggie McElhinney was a true competitor, compiling 14 assists and finishing 8-8 in serves. Baylie Stillwell also ended up 8-8 in serves, and Lauren Dargevics was on fire as she went 4-6 in kills.

Steamboat may have looked sluggish for a while but three of the team's final four points were electrifying. Johnson blasted two spikes against the Huskies near the left corner of the court and Katie Carter nailed another to make the score 14-4.

The Sailors now can enjoy the rest of their homecoming week before suiting up for the match with Palisade.

Sailors assistant coach Susie Ritter said her team played sloppy at times, stating a big improvement would need to be made for the Palisade match.

"We were a little sluggish," Ritter said. "You could definitely tell they were timid and they weren't communicating very often.

"So, hopefully we'll get back in the gym tomorrow and we'll come out stronger on Saturday."

To reach Eric Rineer call 871-4229 or e-mail erineer@amigo.net